The 2025 high school football season kicks off with a smattering of games on Wednesday and Thursday before the action heats up on Friday, capped by the Corky Kell Classic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday. Here are our headlines for Part I of Week-1’s Eight Greats Around the State:
Buford vs. Milton – Buford opens its $62M Phillip Beard Stadium vs. defending 7A champ Milton. Wolves seek revenge for last year’s season-opening loss.
LaGrange vs. Cass – Semifinalist LaGrange meets a talented Cass squad in Rome. The Colonels feature Power 4 prospects Bear McWhorter (OL) and Brodie McWhorter (QB).
Rome vs. Creekside – Clash of 5A & 4Apowers. Rome looks to repeat as region champs; 2024 semifinalist Creekside brings back key veterans.
Colquitt County vs. Benedictine – Colquitt leans on RB Jae Lamar; Benedictine counters with QB Stephen Cannon and DE LaDamion Guyton in a potential playoff-level matchup.
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Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com
Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)
The Skinny
The Buford Wolves will christen their state-of-the-art Phillip Beard Stadium this Thursday, and all eyes will be on a team looking to make another deep playoff run. Last season, Buford averaged 38.7 points per game, led by quarterback Dayton Raiola, who threw for 1,953 yards and 19 touchdowns with just three interceptions. The Wolves will need to replace their top two running backs from a year ago, but Dylan McCoy and Ty Green look poised to form the next dynamic one-two punch in the backfield. Defensively, Bryce Perry-Wright will be key, returning after recording a team-high nine sacks as a junior, ready to disrupt opposing offenses and set the tone on that side of the ball.
Milton, meanwhile, comes off a perfect season capped by a Class 5A state championship, but this year is a bit of a rebuilding effort. The Eagles lose much of last year’s offensive production, and junior quarterback Derrick Baker will be tasked with leading the offense. Baker will have reliable weapons in tight end Grant Haviland and will be protected upfront by anchor Madden Mones. On defense, Milton returns some experience in linebackers Billy Weivoda and Tristan Lester, who should help stabilize the unit.
Last season, Milton narrowly edged Buford on the road, with experience playing a big role in that victory. This season, however, the pendulum appears to have swung in Buford’s favor. While the Eagles will compete and not be afraid of the moment, the Wolves’ talent and depth give them the edge in this early-season showdown. Prediction: Buford by 11.
The Skinny
The LaGrange Grangers are coming off one of their most memorable seasons in two decades, reaching the semifinals by winning three straight road playoff games. With that momentum, the Grangers look to build on their recent success, returning all-region quarterback Dylan Barber. The senior signal-caller will be tasked with guiding LaGrange on another deep playoff push. Barber will have a talented supporting cast, including top playmakers Jardon Stringer and Zy Huzzie, who contribute on offense, defense, and special teams. Anchoring the offensive line is Carson Shattuck, helping the Grangers maintain a strong, balanced attack. Last year, LaGrange averaged 34.4 points per game while holding opponents to just 16 points per contest, and much of that core is back for 2025.
The Cass Colonels made the postseason for the fourth consecutive season in 2024, a testament to head coach Steve Gates’ consistency and program-building. This year, Cass is aiming even higher and will lean heavily on senior quarterback Brody McWhorter, a pre-season all-state selection who has already committed to Mississippi State. Anchoring the offensive line is Bear McWhorter, also a pre-season all-state selection and Michigan-bound, providing stability and leadership upfront. Tight end Chase Tatum and running back Braylon Hill will complement the offense, giving Brody multiple weapons to move the chains.
This matchup has all the makings of a high-scoring affair. LaGrange boasts a slight edge in playmakers at receiver, but Brody McWhorter’s experience and leadership make Cass a formidable opponent. Expect fireworks on both sides of the ball, but the Grangers’ overall balance and depth give them the nod in a close one. Prediction: LaGrange by 6.
The Skinny
The Rome Wolves had a turbulent start to 2024, including a bus accident after a preseason scrimmage and dropping their first three games. But Rome rebounded, stringing together eight straight wins to reach the second round of the playoffs. Coach Reid’s squad returns hungry, led by dual-quarterback threat senior Braxton Anderson and junior Aidan McPherson, who threw for 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore. Both earned all-region honors last season. Rome’s offensive weapons also include Jeremy Winston and Darnell Collins, while Jyquice McCrary will contribute on both sides of the ball. On defense, Dash Kenebrew is poised for a breakout season as an edge rusher. With balanced talent and depth, the Wolves are poised for another deep playoff run.
The Creekside Seminoles also had early-season setbacks in 2024, including a canceled game against Rome and losses to out-of-state opponents like DeSoto, Texas. They bounced back with 10 straight wins, including three playoff victories, advancing to the Class 4A semifinals before a narrow six-point loss. Creekside averaged 38.2 points per game and held region opponents to 25 points across seven contests. Quarterback Cayden Benson returns after throwing for 2,395 yards and 30 TDs while rushing for 1,085 yards and 12 scores. Defensively, Cassius Burch and Tavarre Terrell combined for 29 sacks, with Major Levell leading the team in tackles.
This matchup pits Creekside’s defensive front against Rome’s quarterback duo, while the Wolves must contain the explosive Benson. Expect a high-scoring, entertaining game, with Rome’s experience and depth giving them the edge at home. Prediction: Rome by 8.
The Skinny
The Colquitt County Packers kick off their 2025 campaign aiming to return to region title form. After back-to-back region championships in 2023 and 2024, the Packers bring back plenty of talent to keep the pressure on other Region-1 contenders. All eyes will be on Jae Lamar, who takes over as the primary running back after rushing for 885 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Sophomore quarterback Cohen Lawson returns for another shot at leading the Pack, having thrown for 1,099 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2024. Malik Walker, the team’s leading receiver last year with 318 yards, will be a key target, while the defense is anchored by safety Alfonso McNeil, linebacker Brayden Ruis, and defensive back Ry’Sheed Fuller.
The Benedictine Cadets step up in classification in Week-1, facing perennial 6A powerhouse Colquitt. The Cadets have made the quarterfinals in 11 of the last 12 seasons and return quarterback Stephon Cannon, who threw for 1,352 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Bubba Frazier (46 receptions, 753 yards, 5 TDs) and Joshua Washington (37 receptions, 566 yards, 5 TDs) return as his top targets. In the backfield, Stanley Smart Jr. adds 730 rushing yards and 3 TDs from his sophomore season, while Frazier also contributes 604 rushing yards and 8 TDs. Defensively, sack leader Kameron Codyand leading tackler Isaiah Jones return, with the addition of LaDamion Guyton, one of the state’s top junior pass rushers.
This game is a true test of skill and depth. Colquitt’s offensive line will face its toughest challenge yet against Guyton and Cody, while Benedictine will look to exploit any gaps on defense. Expect a competitive ballgame between two teams who will certainly be in the top off their respective classifications alls season. Prediction: Benedictine by 3.